I recently noticed an interesting post from Kimbal Musk on X. Elon’s younger brother, known for his environmental commitment and signature cowboy hat, was criticizing Trump’s tariff policies. Not a bad stance, considering his fortune is close to $700 million.

What’s fascinating about Kimbal Musk is the contrast between the two brothers. They share the same origins—born in Pretoria, with the same square jaw and piercing gaze—but their paths clearly diverge. While Elon focuses on space and electric vehicles, Kimbal is interested in sustainable food and climate impact. And yes, that cowboy hat makes him instantly recognizable.

Their family story explains a lot. Along with their sister Tosca, they grew up in a difficult environment, victims of family violence. Their mother Maya had to decide to divorce in 1979 to protect them. The family later found refuge in Canada before settling in the United States. It was there that the two boys launched Zip2, a revolutionary software platform for online businesses.

Success followed quickly. Zip2 was sold to Compaq for $307 million in 1999, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for Kimbal Musk’s fortune. Today, his wealth mainly comes from his stake in Tesla, even though it only represents 0.04% of the company’s capital. Despite the political differences Kimbal publicly expresses, the family bond remains strong among the Musk siblings. They love each other deeply, even when they disagree.